Lee Joo-yeon (born March 19, 1987),[2] formerly known mononymously as Jooyeon, is a South Korean actress and singer. She is best known for being a former member of the girl group After School. Since leaving After School, she has focused primarily on acting. She made her acting debut in the drama Smile Again (2010) and has participated in other dramas since then.
In 2007, Jooyeon made a cameo in the movie My Tutor Friend 2, playing the role of Azumi. Before her debut, Jooyeon was famous on the internet for being an Ulzzang, or "best face" which consisted of her being well known for her natural beauty features.[3] She made her first unofficial appearance with After School's on December 29, 2008, at the SBS Song Festival, performing "Play Girlz" with Son Dam-bi.
On January 15, 2009, Jooyeon made her debut in South Korean girl group After School, with the release of their debut single "AH!" alongside their EP, New Schoolgirl.[4] On 17 January, the group made their live debut on MBC's, Music Core.[5]
In 2010, Jooyeon made her acting debut in the drama Smile Again and was a member of G7 in the variety show Invincible Youth. Over the years, she starred as supporting roles in various dramas and movies.
In 2011, she became the leader of A.S. Blue. The sub-unit debuted with the single "Wonder Boy" on July 20.
On December 31, 2014, Jooyeon's contract with Pledis Entertainment expired and she graduated from After School on June 30, 2015, after Japan promotions.[6][7] Jooyeon was the only member, along with Jungah, who was in the group for all promotional periods.
2015—present: Acting career and further roles[edit]
In January 2015, following her graduation and departure from After School, Jooyeon signed with Better ENT to pursue her acting career.[8] She made her first appearance under her new company in the film Sorry, I Love You, Thank You, playing the role of Jung Hye-mi.[9] She has since gone on to star in a number of dramas, such as All Kinds of Daughters-In-Law.[10]
On November 21, 2011, Jooyeon was admitted to the hospital with acute nephritis. On November 29, she was discharged and had resumed all group activities.[19]
^Lee Kang Min-kyung (April 2, 2021). "정진운X안서현X이주연 '오!마이 고스트', 3월 말 크랭크업 [공식]" [Jinwoon Jeong X Seohyun Ahn X Jooyeon Lee 'Oh! My Ghost', crank-up at the end of March [Official]]. Star News (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved July 13, 2021.
^Moon Ji-yeon (August 19, 2021). "[단독] 이주연, '키스식스센스' 주연 캐스팅…톱배우로 컴백" [[Exclusive] Lee Joo-yeon cast as the lead in 'Kiss Six Sense'... comeback as a top actor]. Sports Chosun (in Korean). Naver. Retrieved August 19, 2021.
^Kim Na-yeon (April 21, 2022). "키스 식스 센스' 윤계상X서지혜X김지석, 감각 깨울 짜릿 로맨스의 시작" [Kiss Six Sense' Yoon Kye-sang X Seo Ji-hye X Kim Ji-seok, the start of a thrilling romance that awakens the senses] (in Korean). MT Star News. Retrieved April 21, 2022 – via Naver.
